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Utley in lineup for third consecutive game

Utley in lineup for third consecutive game

PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies manager Charlie Manuel hinted last week in New York that Chase Utley might play the entire three-game series this weekend against the Atlanta Braves.

He did just that.

Manuel penciled Utley's name into the lineup in Sunday's series finale at Citizens Bank Park. It is the first time Utley has played three consecutive games since returning from the disabled list June 27. Perhaps it's a sign the Phillies are ready to increase Utley's workload. Or perhaps the Phillies simply felt they could play Utley a third consecutive day with the four-day All-Star break beginning Monday without risk to his chronically injured knees.

Either way, it was just the second time this season Utley and Ryan Howard had been in the lineup at the same time.